The Triple Layered Business Model Canvas in practice

The traditional, “old” economic mindset — centered on linear growth as the primary goal — is a thing of the past. Long-term, circular thinking is the new focus. But how do you combine economic prosperity with environmental benefits and human well-being?

The Triple Layered Business Model Canvas has proven to be a clear, accessible and logical model for learning to think about “new economics.” The model consists of three layers, starting with the ECONOMIC LAYER, where you describe how you create, realize and deliver value. This first layer stems from the Business Model Canvas, which is widely used in practice and study. The second layer is the ECOLOGICAL LAYER, and the third is the SOCIAL LAYER. Each layer features nine building blocks that are explained and illustrated using examples from real companies.

What makes this book unique is the combination of the above three layers with a fourth: the PERSONAL LAYER. This last layer stems from the Business Model You, where the focus is on you. This canvas encourages personal development within the purpose economy. This way, you not only take responsibility for yourself but also for others and for the future. In this layer, you also work on your Inner Development Goals: personal skills that enable you to work toward a sustainable world.

This book is not intended for reading in one go, but rather for working layer by layer or block by block. It includes exercises for applying the theory and provides many examples. Each chapter concludes with a step-by-step plan in which you complete, analyze and discuss the described layer with others.

Canvases are available with this book to help you develop your own Triple Layered Business Model and Business Model You.

Suzanne van Stratum works as a lecturer at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. She teaches students based on the idea of ​​the ‘purpose economy’: economic prosperity linked to sustainability and people’s well-being.